BAFTA nominated Dredge celebrates one year of Spooky Fishing with a $100,000 NZD charitable donation

Black Salt Games are today kicking off celebrations for the one-year anniversary of sinister fishing adventure DREDGE which launched on Steam, GOG, Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One last year. As part of the celebration, a demo is now available for PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®5, letting players set sail across the first of DREDGE's unique biomes in 'Chapter One'. In the last year, DREDGE has sold over 1 million copies across 180 countries worldwide, and players have spent more than 1,400 years fishing, with 500,000 fully upgrading their boats too.

As Black Salt Games moves into its second year following the release of DREDGE, the studio strives to set an example for how the gaming industry can positively impact the world, and in line with their commitment to environmental stewardship, have made a $100,000 NZD donation to the New Zealand Whale & Dolphin Trust (NZDWT). This donation will support the trust's ongoing research and conservation efforts, particularly focusing on New Zealand's native marine species.

Nadia Thorne, CEO of Black Salt Games, said: "Thanks to all of the players around the world we're in a position to give back to the environment that inspired our game. We're only beginning to understand what a vital role ocean health plays in our wider climate. Protecting these environments and their inhabitants is not just about preservation; it's about actively fighting climate change. We're proud that our success can contribute to these crucial efforts." 

Will Rayment, NZWDT Trustee, said: "We are delighted, and so grateful, that Black Salt Games chose to support the NZ Whale & Dolphin Trust. Their generous donation enables us to continue and expand our research on Aotearoa-New Zealand's threatened species of marine mammals."

DREDGE Key Features  
•    Unravel a Mystery: Captain your fishing trawler across a collection of remote islands, each with its own inhabitants to meet, wildlife to discover, and stories to unearth  
●    Dredge the Depths: Scour the sea for hidden treasures and complete quests to gain access to strange new abilities, including the camera to unlock the new Photo Mode
●    Study Your Craft: Research special equipment and upgrade your boat's capabilities to gain access to rare fish and valuable deep-sea curios  
●    Fish to Survive: Sell your discoveries to the locals to learn more about each area, and upgrade your boat to reach even more secluded locations  
●    Fight the Unfathomable: Strengthen your mind and use your abilities to survive trips out on the water after dark.